Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Introduction

The objective of the degree program is to train students in the analytical and computational methods of structural mechanics, the analysis of the mechanical behavior of solids, the fundamentals of material science, and the processing of materials. Recent advances in computational solid mechanics with computer-based algorithms have revolutionized the ability to simulate intelligently both linear and nonlinear structural phenomena. The engineering of advanced materials requires expertise ranging from stress analysis to materials science. Due to this diversity, the program is interdisciplinary in nature with contributions from the Chemical, Civil and Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering graduate programs. It also prepares students for continued study in the Doctor of Engineering program.

Two areas of specialization are available:

Structural Mechanics

Mechanics and Materials

The Structural Mechanics track considers analytical and computational approaches to mechanics and materials. It emphasizes numerical formulations and computer simulations of basic structural and material phenomena from a stress/strain viewpoint. The Mechanics and Materials track concentrates on the material science aspects of materials, including the laboratory testing and development and investigation of new engineered materials. All students must complete a common set of core courses specified.

Faculty Research

The Engineering Mechanics program is an interdisciplinary program involving faculty members from the departments of Chemical, Civil and Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering

Students may become active participants in the following areas of faculty research:

Research in nonlinear finite-element analysis, including the development of automatic, incremental algorithms and the formulation of advanced shell-element capabilities.

Deformation processing of materials, including computer simulation of forging, rolling, and extrusion.

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of material properties, including location and size of flaws, voids, and impurities; materials include concrete, polymer, matrix, and ceramic composites.

Facilities

New laboratory facilities are available as part of the renovation of Fenn Hall. A strength of materials laboratory, an experimental stress lab, a materials laboratory, and concrete mixing and testing lab are available. The College of Engineering has a scanning electron microscope, an X-ray diffraction system, an ultrasonic testing facility, four tension-compression testing machines, a computer-controlled MTS dynamic/fatigue test machine, and various NDE Systems.

Financial Assistance

Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available to qualified students. Assistants receive tuition support and a stipend. Information about assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

Admission Information

Students with undergraduate degrees in civil or mechanical engineering may be admitted directly to the Structural Mechanics track. Students with undergraduate degrees in chemical, civil, mechanical, or materials engineering may be admitted directly to the Mechanics and Materials track. Students with degrees in other areas of engineering or science may qualify for admission after completing prerequisite courses. A minimum baccalaureate grade-point average of 2.75 usually is required.

The GRE General section is required if one or more of the following conditions is true:

The undergraduate degree was awarded by a college or university outside of the United States, or by a Canadian institution not accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers.

An unaccredited college or university awarded the undergraduate degree.

The student's undergraduate cumulative grade-point average is below 2.75.

The year of the baccalaureate degree precedes the date of application to the College of Graduate Studies by more than six years; however, in this case, the examination requirement may be waived, with program approval, if the applicant's undergraduate grade-point average is 3.0 or above.

If the GRE is required, a minimum score at the 80th percentile on the Quantitative section usually is required.

All non-native English speakers must demonstrate proof of English-language proficiency. Any individual who has earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. institution, in which the primary language of instruction is English, is not required to take an English-language proficiency examination.

Mechanics and Materials Track

3. With advisor approval

With advisor approval, a maximum of six credits of 400-level courses that are not offered by the departments of Chemical, Civil and Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering may be applied toward the degree. The remaining elective courses are selected from engineering courses numbered 500 and above, with advisor approval. Most MME courses are cross-listed with courses in the Chemical, Civil and Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering departments. Non-MME courses must be approved in advance by the graduate review committee.

4. A six-credit thesis or three-credit research project is required

A six-credit thesis or three-credit research project is required of each student. A graduate committee is formed to guide thesis work. A faculty advisor is required for the research project.

5. On or before completing nine credit hours of course work

On or before completing nine credit hours of course work, a student must submit a plan of study, which requires both advisor and program committee approval.